NEW PORT RICHEY, FL – Pasco County will spend an estimated $7 million on fuel this year for its 2,100 vehicles versus the $5 million budgeted, according to budget director Michael Nurrenbrock.

Last fall, Pasco paid $2.70 a gallon for gas. Now it’s paying $3.69. So, Fleet Manager Chuck Bellerose is taking measures to help alleviate rising fuel costs, according to www.tampabay.com.

The county does get discounts for buying in bulk with contracts, plus an exemption from federal tax as a public agency. And the county has already taken a few steps to reduce costs. Employees use eight-person vans to carpool to meetings outside the county and are asked to share rides to meetings inside Pasco.

The county also has sent memos encouraging employees not to leave cars idling, if possible. Pasco also has begun using more fuel-efficient cars, and moving toward buying hybrid SUVs for Fire Rescue officials.

However, instead of three-quarter-ton trucks, the county has begun buying half-ton versions in recent years.

Pasco also has bought four-cylinder vehicles for less rugged jobs, such as neighborhood code enforcement patrols.